When Joy lost her husband, life in her family home became quiet – and lonely. “Everyone living around me was busy working, and I found myself on my own a lot,” she said. So when the opportunity arose to visit Oak Tree Retirement Village, Platz Street, Darling Heights, something just clicked. “I had a feeling deep inside. I just knew this was the right place for me.”
Joy moved into the village in July 2021 and hasn’t looked back.
Finding the right fit
Joy had always liked the idea of retirement village living. She’d visited a few different communities over the years, but always found herself coming back to Oak Tree Platz Street. Her sister-in-law had already looked and loved it, and that helped spark Joy’s decision to take a closer look herself.
“Between my daughter and myself, we made the decision together,” she explains. “We drove in, spoke to the Village Manager, and looked through a couple of villas. I’m lucky because I found myself the most perfect spot – I can look out over the community garden and down towards the valley. It just feels like home to me.”
Living close to her family was also important. Joy has three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren nearby, and her new home gives her the best of both worlds: the comfort of her own space and the joy of family close at hand.
A welcoming community
One of the biggest changes since moving to Oak Tree Platz Street has been the friendships Joy has formed. “After Horrie passed away, it was very lonely where I was. Here, I’ve made so many more friends,” she says.
Morning teas, Friday night get-togethers, theatre outings, and community events have all become regular fixtures in her week. “The morning teas are lovely because you get to meet people from the other end of the village,” Joy says. “Then on Friday nights, we often have meals together. I enjoy the company and the people.”
She also loves the village’s social flexibility. “People don’t have to join in if they don’t want to,” she adds. “You can do as much or as little as you like. But if you want company, it’s always there.”
More time to enjoy life
Moving to Oak Tree Platz Street has also brought practical benefits. With gardening and maintenance taken care of, Joy can spend her time doing the things she loves – whether that’s catching up with her daughter for lunch, visiting the shops, or heading out to community events.
“I don’t have to think about the mower man or handyman anymore,” she says. “As you get older, you can’t do what you used to do. It’s wonderful to have someone take care of those things.”
And living in Toowoomba means she’s surrounded by the things she loves – like the Carnival of Flowers, one of her favourite times of year. “I went down to Laurel Bank Park recently,” she says. “It was beautiful – it’s the best I’ve seen it.”
“It’s a marvellous place to live”
Looking back on her decision to move, Joy feels grateful she followed that instinct to visit the village. “I’d recommend Oak Tree to anyone,” she says. “Especially if they’re lonely or want company. It’s a marvellous place to live. I wouldn’t live anywhere else now.”
To find out more about what living looks like at Oak Tree Retirement Villages, visit oaktreegroup.com.au or call 1300 367 155.